Anyone who has ever been in and out of Cornwall will recognise the beloved 'nearly home' trees.

The small copse of trees, found on the A30 near Lifton, marks the border between Cornwall and Devon and are a familiar sight for anyone leaving on their travels or returning home.

Known as Cookworthy Knapp, the clump of 140 beech trees have inspired many works of art over the years, but the story behind the landmark is a source of wonder to Devonians and the Cornish.

The cherished sight is known by many different names according to people living in and visiting the area - 'Cornwall beyond', 'grandma's trees', 'nearly home' or 'coming home trees', 'the unicorn's wood' and 'fairy wood' - are just a few of the most regularly used nicknames.

Historians believe the trees were planted at the top of the hill nearly 120 years ago - in about 1900 - however there are a number of suggestions as to why.

Cookworthy Knapp

One of the most romantic rumours was that the plantation was constructed by a farmer in memory of his late wife.

Some say that this is why the aerial view of the copse looks to be in the shape of a heart.

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Others suggest that the trees were intended to be a landscape feature to mark the northern edge of the Lifton Park Estate or as cover for pheasants.

Another nickname for the copse, the Trafalgar Clump, could suggest that the trees were planted in relation to that particular war, however they would have been a bit tardy, given that the battle took place in 1805.

One rather smart suggestion claims that trees were planted in clumps on hills all over the country by cattle drovers, to mark water sources so they knew where they could take their animals to drink.

It seems the copse could also be there to conceal what was a quarry on the crown of that hill.

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Fayenpaul Macbow said: "I have heard it was to do with the Cardinham family and he planted the trees in the shape of his heart to show his love - think there are a few clusters about Cornwall."

Maxine Towl said: "I was told by a lady whose family had lived in the area for years, that when we had a leper colony in Newport, it was used as a burial ground as the bodies had to be buried well away from the town and then the trees grew."

Dean Barrett added: "It was all trees at one time and the rest where cut down for timber in one of the wars but the farmer didn't want them all cut so left a few on top of the hill, so I'm told."